Tortellini Salad

I still remember the packaged pasta salad kits that were sold when I was a kid - and how much I disliked the weird dressing mix!  However, my dad's company always had an annual family picnic and they always served an amazing chilled tortellini marinara.  Pasta salad, but better, right?

I like to combine those childhood memories and use delicious, cheese-filled tortellini with a simple, creamy dressing!

Sauteed Greens and Mushrooms

Sometimes the best part of a meal is the side dish, and I love it when mine is full of vegetables.

I love peas, in almost any form, including shoots and leaves.  I found these snow pea tips at the grocery store and I was instantly curious about how the would taste, how to cook them, etc.  I was so excited to try them that I actually tore into the bag as soon as I left the grocery store.  These tips taste like garden fresh peas and are so refreshing.

One of my favorite combinations is cooked peas and mushrooms, so I had to throw some in with these pea tips!

Balsamic Roasted Cauliflower

Cauliflower has become the mighty "hidden" vegetable ingredient in so many items, but it really should be celebrated for how delicious it is on its own.  I am a sucker for almost any roasted vegetable and cauliflower is no exception.

Steamer Smashed Potatoes

I happen to be a potato skin kinda girl, so I tend to prefer smashed up potatoes that still have potato peel and chunks over whipped ones (not that those aren't amazing, too)!